Bronneberg takes a stand for innovative recycling solutions

Dutch recycling technology specialist Bronneberg has been a household name in scrap for over 75 years. It’s been in the hands of the Jegerings family for 25 years. ‘We are proud of what we’ve built together and even more proud of where we’re heading,’ says company owner Henri Jegerings. ‘We believe in the future of recycling technology. It’s up to us to make good on the circular economy promises.’

Bronneberg has been enjoying an upswing in business in recent years. ‘We sell more machines pretty much every year,’ says owner Henri Jegerings. ‘Growth is gradual, both in terms of orders and new clients. Our prospects for the coming year are very good, building on great results over the recent years.’

Shear-balers, both mobile and static, metal balers as well as alligator shears and cable strippers, are still very popular. The current offerings are faster and more powerful and robust than before, capable of processing more scrap.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

‘Our machines can be found across Europe, notably in the Benelux coun- tries, Germany, UK and France, as well as worldwide,’ Jegerings points out. ‘We deliver to recyclers in New Zealand, the Middle East, Mexico, the US, Canada – you name it.’

The North American market in particular shows promise and Bronneberg is eager to expand its market share there. ‘We work with some really big names. There are lot of small and medium- sized business on our books, too.’ Jegerings notes that recycling equipment is needed everywhere, from big cities to small towns.

‘There is a large mobile shear-baler being refurbished in our warehouse that is being sent to Bahrain. Another one is going to a recycler just around the corner from us. That’s the reality of the recycling industry.’ The businessman reasons that when markets are saturated, there are always new markets to explore.

FAMILY SPIRIT

It’s very much a family effort. That includes older brother Jan who retired a few years ago. ‘My three sons were always very much interested in following in our foot- steps. I’m glad to say our family business now includes Michiel as ceo, Alexander for international sales and Robbert-Jan in Benelux sales. They are the next generation and they’re doing so well. That makes me proud every day.’

Jegerings believes the ‘family business spirit’ is one of the most impor- tant elements in the Bronneberg success story. ‘We live and breathe recycling machinery, day and night. That makes a huge difference. It’s not just a company to us, it’s our legacy. Something we’ve built for decades and are confident to pass on to the next generation.’ The sons, gathered around the conference table, smile at that remark.

‘We are full of energy to carry on for decades ahead,’ remarks Robbert-Jan. ‘Moreover, we are growing up the next generation at home. Who knows, considering our father already has 10 grandchildren, nine boys and one girl, it’s quite possible that some will follow us into the family business.’

They all agree that it would be wonderful to eventually pass on the business to the next generation and ensure that the Jegerings name remains intertwined with Bronneberg. As part of that, Bronneberg has recently invested in a new website and social media presence. ‘Promoting our innovative solutions to worldwide recycling players is key towards boosting our network,’ says ceo Michiel.

Everyone has their own strengths and a unique role within the company, and he sees that as a huge advantage. ‘We complement each other really well. Our family-run business comprises a talented team of 45 dedicated employees who, with strong commitment and a passion for technology, strive to be valuable to our company every day.’

COMPLETE SOLUTIONS

Of particular interest to Michiel is that more requests for recycling solutions are emerging from the manufacturing industry, as laws and regulations surrounding waste management continue to tighten and more attention is being paid to circularity.

‘This is an interesting new market where we can apply our experience and expertise to find solutions for these potential companies. This target group prefers one source for providing a total solution rather than having to deal with multiple companies.

‘For them, it is important to gain confidence in the solution, where it comes from, when we can deliver it, the quality and, of course, our service that they can count on. With Bronneberg, it’s about ‘much more’ than just selling a machine.’

The ceo points out that Bronneberg has established long-lasting and exclusive partnerships with leading specialists in recycling machinery such as: Louritex from Portugal, ForRec & MG from Italy, Rotobec from Canada and Holmatro from the Netherlands. ‘This allows us to deliver a full solution each time. No extra wait times, no confusion. One united team to reach out to if there are any questions.’

According to Alexander, this level of service and commitment is what makes recyclers come back. ‘Some have replaced their machines four or five times. Such loyalty is the biggest compliment you can get.’

Our clients have grown their operations in tandem with us. They will opt for a bigger shear or cable stripper, for example, once they hit more tonnage. Or they will add a mobile solution to increase their flexibility.’ This way, existing recycling lines are continuously upgraded.

‘Our team is happy to give advice and help trouble-shoot,’ Alexander adds. ‘We’re only a call away and, in most cases, a short drive. And let us not forget our field service department consisting of a fleet of 10 service vans traveling all over Europe.’

FORWARD THINKING

Above anything, Bronneberg has a strong focus on innovation. ‘We want to do more than just sell machines,’ Michiel insists. ‘We want to help the industry solve current waste problems. If more people work together, there’s a better chance of realising a circular economy.’

An example of this mission is Bronneberg’s contribution to the Reeproduce R&D project, funded by the EU. The venture targets efficient recovery of rare earth elements used not only in the drive motors of electric vehicles but also in AC compressors, HD-drives, windmills and more. The 15 or so European industry partners have been working on this for about two years and, halfway through, are pre- paring a pilot demonstration.

Michiel picks up a magnetic part from a dismantled car engine and passes it around the table. ‘Just imagine the impact of being able to reclaim and recycle these high-quality metals to benefit the automotive sector. It would be incredible. If we, with our knowledge, can help make this a reality, we are happy to do our part.’

Bronneberg is also casting its eye to advanced recycling solutions not yet in its portfolio, such as smart sorting. ‘We are currently assembling an innovative sorting system in our warehouse,’ Alexander says, pointing to a large machine being prepared at the front of the hall. ‘It’s the one of the many sorting units we have already prepared to ship and it definitely won’t be the last one.’

Father Henri chimes in, recalling how Bronneberg moved into the current site ten years ago. ‘I thought I would probably be retired by the time this facility became too small for us. Actually, it took only a few years to fill the new factory,’ he laughs.

‘It’s not yet time to scale up again but at this rate it won’t take another ten years. Who knows what other exciting recycling solutions will be part of the Bronneberg brand?